Do Patterdale Terriers have health issues?
Patterdale Terriers are generally robust and healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health concerns for Patterdales include:
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, which can lead to arthritis or pain.
- Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position, which can cause lameness or discomfort.
- Cranial cruciate disease: The cranial cruciate ligament is an important stabilizer in the knee joint. Cranial cruciate ruptures cause joint instability and are the most common cause of hind leg lameness in dogs. Surgery is recommended to prevent the tear from progressing to more severe joint disease.
- Intervertebral disc disease: Intervertebral disc disease causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae. When that happens, it can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.
- Eye issues: Patterdale Terriers are prone to some eye conditions, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease that causes early-onset vision loss.
- Allergies: Patterdales can develop allergies, which might cause skin irritation or digestive issues.